"*Gasp: LOOK AT ALL THE ROOM!"
You may have thought this the first time you saw the inside of an RV with a slide.
Slide Open, Creating Room
Yes, the additional space is incredible. Even a smaller 25 foot RV becomes much larger with an RV slide.
Are RV slides all good? Heck no. They can come with pretty major issues.
We already know RV manufacturers are notorious for building cheap, short-lasting products.
Add a giant RV slide with a dinky motor, give it massive earthquakes every trip taken, and you're bound to have problems.
What Is An RV Slide?
A slide is a hard-sided 'pop-out', controlled by the push of a button.
It uses a motor, either electric or hydraulic, to slide the extend-a-room in and out.
They aren't known for their in/out speed... (See video above for real-time action.)
Some RV slides only contain a small closet, some are just for the bed.
Others have multiple slides containing anything from the kitchen to a dining booth.
No matter what they 'open', they definitely open up a space. This makes for a more comfortable living area.
However, RV slides cannot be out while you are towing.
Slide in
Slide out
Let's have a look at the good and the bad of the notorious RV slide.
(3 good, 9 bad. What does that tell you, eeeeek!!!)
RV Slide PROS
Like we said, there are pros. Here are the few:
1. Creates Extra Space
This is the obvious benefit, right? RV slides add square footage to an inherently small space. This is especially helpful if you take lots of, or longer, camping trips. It's especially helpful if you live in your RV full-time or have a family.
2. More Windows?
Some RV slides add side windows. Some don't. The side windows can really open up a space and add more air flow. When out in beautiful country, more windows are a huge bonus.
3. Unit Size
If one can stretch out their inside space to be WIDER, then one can likely have a shorter RV than they can without one. Having a shorter RV makes life MUCH easier when driving and maneuvering.
RV Slide CONS
We mentioned the cons. There are many. Do they outweigh the pros for you? Here you go:
1. Maintenance and Repair
Ok, the big bad news is that slides are NOTORIOUS for having issues. They can be a huge headache when not working properly. Even Marshall is currently having an issue with his slide on his Lance trailer.
It must be lubricated regularly, the motor can break, hydraulic lines can leak, the track can go awry, all the joys plus more.
2. Slide Toppers
These are little awnings that automatically go out over the slide when it's deployed. Designed to keep leaves, water, and other debris off the roof of the slide, you must watch them in inclement weather. Water can pool. You must get the water off before bringing your slide in or the water will come in with it. You shouldn't allow snow to collect. The worst is when it's windy. The flapping noise can be so bad as to keep you up. Many people put their RV slides in if it's windy enough out. Very inconvenient.
3. Leaks
Oof. Another big one. You probably already know that water is the #1 enemy of RVs. Slide leaks are not uncommon. If you have a leak, you MUST fix it ASAP.
4. Insulation
Slides are not usually as well insulated as the rest of the RV. The joints allow for air to get through. So the more slides you have, the less insulated your rig is. There's also a chance that bugs and rodents will have an easier time of getting in. Rodents may well be the #2 enemy of RVs.
5. Weight
RV slides are heavy beasts. This means an RV with a slide is heavier than one without a slide. So now you need a bigger engine in your tow vehicle (or a bigger tow vehicle in general) and you potentially have less cargo capacity in the RV. (But more room to put it, lol!)
6. Balance
One must not overload a slide with cargo. The RV may already be 'off-kilter' simply because of its slide(s). Add a bunch of heavy stuff to the slide area and watch it quickly not work anymore because of it.
7. Campground Spaces
You MAY run into issues of not being able to completely deploy your RV slide or slides at a campground for lack of room. Not exaggerating here. Some campground spots are not wide enough to accommodate two RVs with slides next to each other. Sad but true.
8. Access When Traveling
This is one most people don't think about when shopping for an RV. When you're traveling, can you access the RV and bathroom and whatever else you may need with the slides in? If you cannot, this can be a real pain on the road. If you must have slides, try to get an RV that gives you access to the important areas when slides are in.
9. Extra Chore To Set Up/Tear Down
If you don't move a lot, this may not be a factor for you. If you camp often and/or move often, then it very well may be an issue. You may not think it takes long, but again, it's ONE MORE step in your setup.
Conclusion
RV slides are great... when they are working. When they have issues, they are a real pain to deal with. Personally, Marshall never wants an RV with one again. And some RV owners love theirs. Despite the drawbacks.
Get an RV with a slide and you will have more space to work with. Get one without them and you don't have to mess with the maintenance, repairs, and the possibility of being stuck somewhere because your slide won't go in.
It's your choice! Now go buy yourself an RV. (We suggest no RV slides, but if that is not practical for you, then by all means, get one with them!)
Author: Kelly Beasley
Kelly Beasley is co-founder of Camp Addict and loves sharing her enthusiasm for the RVing lifestyle. As a full-time RVer since May 2015, Kelly's playful writing style helps make learning about the sometimes dull subject of RV products a bit more interesting.